The history of pets can be traced back thousands of years, and the first pets are believed to have been domesticated animals that were kept for practical purposes such as hunting or protection. Here are some examples of some of the earliest pets:

1. Dogs: Dogs were likely the first animals to be domesticated by humans, with some evidence suggesting that they were domesticated as far back as 15,000 years ago. Early dogs were likely used for hunting and protection.

2. Cats: Cats were likely domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Near East. They were initially kept for their ability to hunt rodents, which were a major problem for early farmers.

3. Birds: Birds, such as pigeons and doves, have been kept as pets for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, pigeons were kept for their meat, their ability to carry messages, and their association with the goddess Hathor.

4. Fish: Goldfish were first kept as pets in China over a thousand years ago. They were originally bred for their ornamental value and were kept in ponds or small bowls.

5. Horses: Horses were first domesticated around 4,000 years ago and were primarily used for transportation and warfare. However, they were also kept as symbols of wealth and status.

It’s important to note that the concept of pets as we know them today, as animals kept primarily for companionship, is a relatively recent phenomenon. It wasn’t until the 19th century that pets began to be seen as members of the family, rather than just working animals.